Dr Mike Storey, head of research and development at the Potato Council, took home the coveted British Potato Industry Award at the Seed Industry Event dinner held last week (20 November) in Perth, Scotland.
The award acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution towards advances in the potato sector.
Potato Council chairman Allan Stevenson paid tribute to Dr Storey at the event.
Stevenson told delegates: “Mike’s work has spanned field agronomy, chemical use and regulation, variety assessment, storage and plant health to name a few.
'He has forged research links with the other AHDB divisions and has built up a valuable network of international contacts to the benefit our industry; I am delighted his efforts have been recognised by this award.”
Dr Storey has headed up the R&D department for over 15 years, and the Potato Council's director Rob Clayton believes Storey has helped to secure important government funding for the industry over his career.
“It’s no coincidence that Government and other funders continue to put potatoes high on the research agenda and it’s through Mike’s tenacity and dedication that the role potatoes play in food security is duly recognised,' said Clayotn
